WATCH: Dolphin Goes Rogue, Attacks Trainer During Routine At Miami Seaquarium

On Saturday at the Miami Seaquarium, a dolphin went rogue during the show and attacked a trainer swimming in the water, shocking children and families who were there to watch the “Flipper” show.

The dolphin, named Sundance, suddenly attacked the trainer, who was able to make it to the edge of the pool and climb out before she was taken away by ambulance to an area hospital, Local 10 reported.

#BREAKING Dolphin at the #Miamiseaquarium goes rogue and gets aggressive with one of the trainers. She’s reportedly still recovering from her injuries. Full story tonight @WPLGLocal10 at 11pm. pic.twitter.com/b9cb5pb3k3

— Louis Aguirre (@LOUISAGUIRRE) April 12, 2022

On Monday night, the Seaquarium issued a statement to Local 10, saying, “A dolphin and trainer accidentally collided in the water on Saturday while performing a routine behavior as part of the Flipper Show. This was an uncomfortable interaction for both of them and the dolphin reacted by breaking away from the routine and striking the trainer. As a precaution, Miami-Dade County safety authorities were contacted. Our family extends to include the animals in our care, our team members and our guests. While there is no apparent serious injury, a careful watch and follow-up evaluations will ensure the best care for all.”

The Seaquarium came under new ownership in late summer 2021:

Miami Seaquarium is in the process of becoming part of our family with more than 30 Parks and Habitats worldwide!
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We can’t wait to welcome Miami Seaquariums’ associates, marine fauna and visitors.
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.#Seaquarium #TheDolphinCompany #family pic.twitter.com/Rz2xetESfm

— The Dolphin Company (@TheDolphinCo_) August 17, 2021

“Miami Seaquarium’s new owners, The Dolphin Company, have agreed to allow third-party veterinarians onto the premises to conduct an independent examination and assessment of the health and well-being of the orca, Tokitae (also known as Lolita), and other mammals,” Islander News reported on Wednesday.

Eduardo Albor, CEO of The Dolphin Company, stated, “The Dolphin Company is honored to now be operating the beloved Miami Seaquarium. … As has always been the case with the 33 parks and marine mammal habitats we run in the U.S. and around the world, we operate in full transparency, and place the highest value on the health of every single animal in our care.”

Under the previous ownership, in June 2021, the FDA released a report detailing trouble it found at the Seaquarium. The report stated:

The facility’s attending veterinarian’s recommendations regarding the provision of adequate veterinary care and other aspects of animal care and use have been repeatedly disregarded or dismissed over the last year. …

The inspectors observed the killer whale and dolphin show. After the completion of the show, approximately 50-100 people immediately congregated around the pool and the inspectors observed that the facility’s public barrier is ineffective. A small male child was lifted over the metal bar and placed on the ledge of the pool. Another small female child was also observed being held over the metal barrier and onto the ledge. Several members of the public were observed holding cellular phones and cameras beyond the edge of the ledge. Three identifiable attendants positioned around the area were not effective in addressing members of the public in a swift manner; in fact, two attendants were observed standing behind the public.

The barrier installed at Whale Stadium is currently a metal bar structure that extends approximately 20 inches out from the ledge of the pool. Additionally, there is a yellow line painted on the ground that extends approximately 16 inches from the edge of the cement wall of the pool. The facility employs at least three attendants that are tasked with handling individuals of the public that are leaning over the bar or holding objects beyond the ledge; however, this was ineffective.

Insufficient public barriers do not adequately ensure the safety of the public or the animals. Foreign objects dropped into the pool pose a hazard to the animals and may be ingested. Unauthorized contact between members of the public and the animals pose a safety hazard to both the parties.

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